Rheumatoid arthritis(RA), as a chronic autoimmune disease, has a high incidence and disability rate, causing significant suffering to patients. Due to its complex pathogenesis, it has not been fully elucidated to date, and its treatment remains a challenging problem in the medical field. Although western medicine treatment options have certain efficacy, they require prolonged use and are expensive. Additionally, they carry risks of multiple infections and adverse reactions like malignancies. The Chinese herbal medicine Rhododendron molle is commonly used in folk medicine for its properties of dispelling wind, removing dampness, calming nerves, and alleviating pain in the treatment of diseases like rheumatic bone diseases. In recent years, modern clinical and pharmacological studies have shown that the diterpenoids in R. molle are effective components, exhibiting immune-regulatory, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. This makes it a promising candidate for treating RA with a broad range of potential applications. However, R. molle has certain toxic properties that hinder its clinical application and lead to the wastage of its resources. This study reviewed recent research progress on the mechanism of R. molle in preventing and treating RA, focusing on its chemical components, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and summarized the adverse reactions associated with R. molle, aiming to offer new ideas for finding natural remedies for RA and methods to reduce toxicity while enhancing the effectiveness of R. molle. The study seeks to clarify the safety and efficacy of R. molle and its extracts, providing a theoretical basis for its application prospects and further promoting the development and utilization of R. molle resources.
Humans ; Rhododendron/chemistry* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; Diterpenes/pharmacology* ; Analgesics

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between postpartum depression (PPD) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) concentrations in human colostrum. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a maternal and infant cohort established in a tertiary general hospital in Guangdong Province between December, 2020 and September, 2021. In the afternoon of the second postpartum day, the women were evaluated with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for screening PPD (defined as a score of 10 or higher). The women with PPD were matched at a 1:1 ratio with women without PPD with maternal age difference within 5 years and the same mode of delivery. Colostrum samples were collected in morning on the third postpartum day for measurement of TGF-β concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the association between EPDS scores and TGF-β concentrations was analyzed in the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 90 women were included in the final analysis. The mean concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 in the colostrum were 684.03 (321.22-859.25) pg/mL, 5116.50±1747.04 pg/mL and 147.84±48.68 pg/mL in women with PPD, respectively, as compared with 745.67 (596.00-964.22) pg/mL, 4912.40±1516.80 pg/mL, and 168.21±48.15 pg/mL in women without PPD, respectively. Compared with women without PPD, the women with PPD had significantly lower concentrations of TGF-β1 (P=0.026) and TGF-β3 (P=0.049) in the colostrum. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the EPDS scores were negatively associated with the concentrations of TGF-β1 (r=-0.23, P=0.03) and TGF-β3 (r=-0.25, P=0.02) in the colostrum. CONCLUSION PPD is associated with decreased concentrations of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 in human colostrum, suggesting the need of early PPD screening and interventions during pregnancy and the perinatal period to minimize the impact of PPD on human milk compositions.
Child, Preschool ; Cohort Studies ; Colostrum ; Depression, Postpartum/diagnosis* ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2 ; Transforming Growth Factor beta3 ; Transforming Growth Factors

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of autoimmune disease with dual seropositive antibodies of leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1(LGI1)and contactin-associated protein 2(Caspr2).Methods The clinical data of seven patients with dual seropositive LGI1 and Caspr2 antibodies who were admitted to the Neurology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from July 2014 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.Results Central,peripheral and autonomic nervous systems were all involved in the seven cases;100%(7/7)presented with insomnia,myokymia,neuropahic pain and hyperhydrosis;71%(5/7)showed memory decline or psychiatric and behavioral symptoms;57%(4/7)had urinary hesitation or constipation;and 43%(3/7)had seizure.Electromyography showed 100%(6/6) of the patients had prolonged afterdischarges following normal M waves and/or abnormal spontaneous firing.Electroencephalography revealed slow waves or basic rhythm slowing in 71%(5/7)of patients.Electrocardiography showed sinus tachycardia,axis deviation,and prolonged QT intervals in 71%(5/7)of patients.One patient died from arrhythmia before immunotherapy.One died from pulmonary infection after immunotherapy.Improvement with immunotherapy was documented in the other five cases.No relapse was noted during the 1-2-year follow-up.Conclusions Autoimmune disease with dual seropositive antibodies of LGI1 and Caspr2 can diffusely affect the central,peripheral,and autonomic nervous systems.The possibility of this disease should be considered in patients with acute and subacute onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms,especially in patients with accompanying insomnia,myokymia,and hyperhydrosis.
Autoantibodies ; blood ; Autoimmune Diseases ; immunology ; Humans ; Membrane Proteins ; immunology ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; immunology ; Proteins ; immunology ; Retrospective Studies

Multidrug resistance (MDR) seriously affects the clinical efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. One of the main mechanisms of MDR is the overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in tumor cells that reduces the intracellular drug concentrations and limits the effective use of chemotherapeutic drugs. Accordingly, application of P-gp inhibitors that can reverse tumor MDR is an effective strategy to enhance the anti-tumor effect of chemotherapeutic drugs. In recent years, D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) has been widely applied as the potential P-gp inhibitor for its excellent P-gp inhibition effect as well as good safety. In this paper, we reviewed the P-gp inhibitors, the mechanisms of TPGS in reversing P-gp-mediated MDR and the application of TPGS-based nano-drug delivery system.

Acoustic Stimulation ; Brain Mapping ; Hallucinations ; Humans

Background:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction usually exhibits an irreversible course,and available treatments for delaying the progression to end-stage renal disease are limited.This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine,Niaoduqing particles,for delaying renal dysfunction in patients with stage 3b-4 CKD.Methods:The present study was a prospective,randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,multicenter clinical trial.From May 2013 to December 2013,300 CKD patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 20 and 45 ml,min-1· 1.73 m-2,aged 18-70 years were recruited from 22 hospitals in 11 Chinese provinces.Patients were randomized in a 1∶1 ratio to either a test group,which was administered Niaoduqing particles 5 g thrice daily and 10 g before bedtime for 24 weeks,or a control group,which was administered a placebo using the same methods.The primary endpoints were changes in baseline serum creatinine (Scr) and eGFR after completion of treatment.The primary endpoints were analyzed using Student's t-test or Wilcoxon's rank-sum test.The present study reported results based on an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis.Results:A total of 292 participants underwent the ITT analysis.At 24 weeks,the median (interquartile range) change in Scr was 1.1 (-13.0-24.1) and 11.7 (-2.6-42.9) μmol/L for the test and control groups,respectively (Z =2.642,P =0.008),and the median change in eGFR was-0.2 (-4.3-2.7) and-2.2 (-5.7-0.8) ml·min-1.1.73 m-2,respectively (Z =-2.408,P =0.016).There were no significant differences in adverse events between the groups.Conclusions:Niaoduqing particles safely and effectively delayed CKD progression in patients with stage 3b-4 CKD.This traditional Chinese medicine may be a promising alternative medication for patients with moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction.

The combination of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata can increase efficacy and decrease toxicity. This study started from the phenomena of protein self-assembly in the mixed decoction of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata. The attenuated mechanism was explored between the combination of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata by using the protein of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and aconitine which was the major toxic component of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma protein with aconitine could form stable particles which particle mean diameter was (206.2 ± 2.02) nm and (238.20 ± 1.23) nm at pH 5.0 in normal temperature. Through the mouse acute toxicity experiment found that injection of aconitine monomer all mice were killed, and injection of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma protein-aconitine particles with the same content of aconitine all mice survived. Survey the stability of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma protein-aconitine shows that the colloid particles is stable at room temperature, and it has the possibility to candidate drug carrier. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma protein can reduce the toxicity of aconitine through self-assembly.
Aconitum ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; toxicity ; Female ; Glycyrrhiza ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Plant Proteins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; toxicity

Objective The choice of surgical approaches for salvage surgery based on the location and invasion of recurrent and residual lesions of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC),surgical results,complications,and survival were assessed.Methods Thirty-seven cases with recurrent and residual lesions of NPC underwent salvage surgery between March 1991 and January 2005 were analysed retrospectively.Of 37 patients,23 were men and 14 women,with a median age of 46.5 years (26 -57 years) ;4 were at stage Ⅰ,10 at stage Ⅱ,14 at stage Ⅲ,and 9 at stage Ⅳ; 5 cases were with cervical metastasis,including 3 cases of N1 and 2 cases N2.All recurrent and residual lesions of NPC were determined by biopsy.On the location and invasion of recurrent and residual lesions of NPC,8 cases underwent endoscopic resection of lesions,12 cases of the palate nasopharyngectomy,5 cases of maxillary swing,4 cases of maxillary swing plus preronal approach,2 cases of lateral rhinotomy plus coronalflap approach,and 6 cases transfacial plus nasal pyramid swing approach.Five cases with cervical metastasis received neck dissection in addition to the operations for recurrent and residual lesions of NPC. Postoperatively 31 cases received radiotherapy with dosage of 60 Gy,among them 15 cases with concurrent chemoradiation therapy,and 6 cases with clear surgical margin did not received radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The cases were followed up for 12 - 72 months,with a median of 45 months.Results Total resection for the recurrent and residual lesions of NPC acounted for 91.8% (34/37) and subtotal resection for 8.2% (3/37). The accidence of perioperative complications was 24.3% (9/37). The 3- and 5-year overall disease-free survival rates (DFSR) were 62.1% and 43.3%,respectively. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates (OSR) were 72.9% and 51.3%,respectively.The 5 year DFSR of cases at stage Ⅰ - Ⅳ were 100%,40%,28% and 11% (χ2 =10.0,P ＜0.01＝,respectively.The 5 year OSR were 100%,70%,35% and 28% (χ2 = 11.5,P ＜0.01),respectively.Conclusions Salvage surgery is a justified treatment for the recurren and residual lesions of NPC,by which some patients with recurren and residual lesions of NPC can be salvaged.

OBJECTIVETo compare the method of detecting heat-sensitive (HS) condition of Neiguan (PC 6) with moxibustion sensation and with infrared in heart-qi deficiency patients (HQD), and to find an objective detection method for HS condition of acupoints.

METHODSThe study was performed on 74 HQD patients. Take infrared thermograph of the tested skin area in natural state. Then thermosensitive test was taken after infrared thermograph acquisition (suspended moxibustion for 10 min). After moxibustion infrared radiometry was implemented for the second time. The infrared radiation information of the forearms was collected and the major axis of the moxibustion reaction area was recorded. The effect of moxibustion sensation and infrared detection on HS Neiguan (PC 6) in HQD patients was compared.

RESULTSWhen the Neiguan (PC 6) in HQD patients was on HS condition, most of the infrared intensity was high temperature and compared with moxibustion sensation method, the sensitivity was 66.7%, the specificity 76.9%, and the accuracy 70.3%. After moxibustion on the HS Neiguan (PC 6) area, the infrared intensity diffused longitudinally along inner side of forearms. Compared with the result of the moxibustion sensation method, its sensitivity was 87.5%, the specificity 92.3%, and the accuracy 89.2%.

CONCLUSION(1) The state of HS condition of Neiguan (PC 6) in HQD patients could be detected objectively by infrared radiation. (2) After moxibustion, the HS condition of acupoints produced thermal phenomena as thermal expansion, heat transfer, which could be demonstated objectively by the infrared radiation image as well as the sensation of subjects.

Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Female ; Heart ; physiopathology ; radiation effects ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Infrared Rays ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Qi ; Radiometry ; Sensation ; Thermography

Adult ; Aged ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-17 ; blood ; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary ; blood ; immunology ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer